construed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "construed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate how something is interpreted or understood by someone. Example: "The terms of the contract shall be construed by the courts in accordance with the applicable laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In my view, it could be construed by some to be harsher than the death penalty".

The New York Times

"It will be construed by many parents as a threat and it is not helpful.

The Guardian

It would have also prohibited statements that could be construed by officials as justifying terrorist activities.

The New York Times

Her entire body of work has been construed by some to be consistently anti-Israel.

The New York Times

"That's how the trial was construed by the people who conducted it".

The New York Times

"Ceremonials" is an album of anthems, as construed by both the church and the arena concert.

The New York Times - Arts

That, in the heat of a campaign, might be construed by an opponent as an equivocation by Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

What some view as a relatively innocent mismatch can be construed by others as a rigged fight.

The New York Times - Sports

"It could be construed by top management under certain circumstances as not being beneficial to the company," he said.

The New York Times

That measure was construed by some commanders to prohibit them from even asking troops whether they owned a firearm.

The New York Times

New Labour's collapse in elections for the European Parliament is construed by some as Mr Blair's Borodino.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "construed by", ensure the subject doing the construing is clearly identified. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While "construed by" is grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal in casual writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "seen as" or "understood by" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "construed by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating how something is understood or interpreted by a specific entity. It typically appears in sentences where the act of interpretation is important. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "construed by" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote how something is interpreted by a specific entity. According to Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for use in formal contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While simpler alternatives like "interpreted by" and "understood by" exist, "construed by" maintains a level of precision and authority suitable for serious discourse. Remember to clearly identify the subject doing the construing to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis confirms the widespread and correct application of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interpreted by

Focuses more directly on the act of assigning meaning to something, similar to "construed by" but slightly more general.

understood by

Emphasizes the comprehension aspect, highlighting how something is grasped or perceived.

seen as

Indicates a particular perspective or viewpoint, suggesting a subjective interpretation.

regarded by

Implies a more formal or considered judgment, often based on specific criteria.

considered by

Suggests a deliberate and thoughtful evaluation, implying careful consideration of the facts.

perceived by

Highlights the subjective and sensory experience of understanding something.

taken as

Emphasizes how something is received or accepted, often implying a specific interpretation.

viewed by

Similar to "seen as", but can also suggest a more critical or analytical perspective.

deemed by

Implies a formal judgment or decision, often made by someone with authority.

believed by

Focuses on the acceptance of something as true, often based on faith or conviction.

FAQs

How can I use "construed by" in a sentence?

Use "construed by" to indicate how a statement, action, or law is interpreted by someone. For instance, "The law, as "construed by" the court, has significant implications."

What is a simpler alternative to "construed by"?

Alternatives like "interpreted by", "understood by", or "seen as" can be used in less formal contexts while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "construed as" instead of "construed by"?

While "construed by" specifies who is doing the interpreting, "construed as" focuses on what something is being interpreted to be. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the interpreter or the interpretation.

What's the difference between "construed by" and "interpreted by"?

Both "construed by" and "interpreted by" indicate the act of assigning meaning. "Construed by" often implies a more formal or legalistic interpretation, while "interpreted by" is generally broader and can apply to various contexts.